The Girls’ School of Austin Earns Four-Star Rating from Energy Green Building

The Girls’ School of Austin, the city’s only private, independent school for girls in grades K – 8, dedicates its new buildings and grounds on September 13, followed by architectural presentations and workshops on sustainable design. The project came to completion after several years of capital campaign and nine months of construction.

The Girls’ School of Austin, the city’s only private, independent school for girls in grades K–8, dedicates its new buildings and grounds on September 13, followed by architectural presentations and workshops on sustainable design. The project came to completion after several years of capital campaign and nine months of construction.

The facility is one of two complete schools in Austin that received a four-star rating from Austin Energy Green Building. The recognition came for the school’s accomplishments in water conservation, indoor environmental quality, construction waste recycling and sourcing of materials, energy efficiency, and native landscapes.

“This four-star AEGB rating signifies The Girls’ School of Austin’s commitment to sustainability by creating and operating buildings that are not only beautiful, functional and comfortable, but also good for the community and the environment,” said Debbie Kimberly, VP CES, with Austin Energy.

The energy requirements of the school have not been increased through the construction of the new campus, instead it has changed the entire learning environment for its students. The newly sustainable campus which now includes a rainwater collection system, multiple gardens, a nature trail, and bioswale landscaped with native plants, will become an integral part of the learning process. The cistern levels and bioswale flows will be monitored by the students as part of the science class, while teachers from kindergarten through middle school will use the campus’ flexible indoor and outdoor spaces for year-long instruction.

Our students and faculty are thriving in their new environment,” said Lisa Schmitt, who heads the The Girls’ School of Austin.

The Girls’ School of Austin was constructed by American Constructors of Austin with architects Michael Cowan and Mike Haddon of Haddon and Cowan Architects Collaborative. LaMette Consulting, DCI Engineering, Big Red Dog Engineering, Land Interactive, Edwards + Mulhaousen Interior Design, and ACR Engineering also comprised the project team.